Making meaningful connections with our children is something every parent wants to do.
But I think we over complicate it at times.
We plan these grand outings or themed events.
For some reason we get it in our heads that simple interaction is not enough.
Well guess what mama, that just isn’t true!
Our children don’t expect the grand and glorious.
They are happy with the small and simple.
Just taking the time to stop what you are doing and look them in the eye when they tell you a story or explain their latest LEGO creation means the world to them!
Table of Contents
How To Connect With Your Kids
I’ve compiled a short list of 10 ways to connect with your kids.
And none of them take fancy equipment or lots of time.
These are all simple things that add up to meaningful moments with our little ones.
Read Aloud
This is probably my favorite thing to do with my children- all of them.
From 4 months to 17 years, they all enjoy being read to.
They love the snuggles (okay, maybe not the 17-year-old 😉 ) and memories made through reading aloud.
For suggestions on getting started, visit Sarah Mackenzie’s blog Amongst Lovely Things.
She founded the Read Aloud Revival, which is my go-to goal for read-aloud inspiration.
Cook Something Together
Whether it’s chocolate chip cookies, macaroni and cheese, or peanut butter and crackers, get the kids involved!
They LOVE to help!
One of the many great things about littles is their willingness to help.
If we can cultivate and nurture that willingness with good memories and fun, then that same little helper will one day become a big helper (which you will totally appreciate, trust me!)
Play A Game
Tuesdays around here are game days.
My husband and I play games with the bigs after the littles go to bed. (Our favorites are B000BBU0KS, Dutch Blitz, Dr.Who Monopoly, and Wits and Wagers.)
And I play games with the littles during the day while Daddy is at work.
Sometimes we play board games like Sneaky Snacky Squirrel or Checkers.
Other times we make games up! It doesn’t have to be complicated!
Dance or Exercise Together
This is always fun.
There are many YouTube Channels to choose from if you don’t have any music or an exercise video.
Dancing and exercising with Mom is a guaranteed giggle starter- I promise!
Take a Walk
Taking a walk is always a great thing, but instead of you choosing where to go, let them decide!
Make it fun to follow the leader around the yard or in the house if the weather is bad.
Make and Play with PlayDough
This is by far my favorite DIY play dough recipe.
There is so much fun in making your own play dough with the little ones!
And the best part of making it is that you now have it on hand to play with!
Tandem Drawing
Have you heard of tandem drawing?
It’s so much fun!
Check out this quick video that explains it . . .
Finger Knitting
You will find finger knitting, well-known among the Charlotte Mason homeschoolers as a handicraft.
This finger knitting is an excellent way to spend a rainy afternoon.
If you’re a bit unfamiliar, here’s another quick video for you . . .
Let Them Help You Make The Menu
This one is relatively new in our home.
When I make the menu each week, one of my children gets to pick the meals for the day.
For example, on Thursday, I’ll let my five-year-old pick the breakfast, lunch, and supper.
Then, on Thursday, he gets to help mommy make the food.
They LOVE it!!
Each one is always so proud of their selections and having helped prepare the meals.
I cycle through the children each week, so it’s their meal day once every five weeks.
I might start doubling up and letting two children work together so they get to pick more often; we’ll see.
Discover Something New
Discovering something new is one of our Rule of 6.
I firmly believe that one of life’s greatest things is learning alongside my children.
Whether reading, watching YouTube videos, a documentary, or on a nature walk, we strive to discover something new together each day.
See?
Nothing on the list is difficult, and everything will help you connect with your kids and make meaningful, lasting memories.
